Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Open House
OPEN HOUSE, SAT., 10/30/10 *******FROM 11AM TO 1PM********
Impeccable, move-in condition, 3 bedroom, 2 bath Village ranch with attached garage built in 2001 awaits new owners. Large (approx. 32 x 15), private 2 tier deck backs to woods with one section reinforced to hold a hot tub. Loads of storage, 5 ceiling fans, slate sidewalk, new washer, dryer, (09) ceramic top stove, (10), 2 heating zones and much, much more. A must see! MLS# 131752 $204,000. Call Diane for a private showing 280-6664.
Directions:
From Ithaca, take 96N to Trumansburg; turn right on Union St (just before Tompkins Trust Company); continue onto Cayuga St; left at Prospect St; house on right, after last duplex.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Exceptional Value in a County Setting
Energy efficient, 4 bedroom, 2 bath ranch with over 2100 sq. ft. on 1.37 acres of landscaped land with fruit trees, flower gardens & grapevines features a 7K solar system that supplements electricity use. Check out the avg. monthly utilities. Heater vents & windows have been sealed by the TCAction Energy team. A new high efficiency furnace, soapstone woodstove and new gas insert for the fireplace also help reduce energy costs. Approx. 2 yrs worth of well seasoned wood included. This home also has a 2 car garage (32 x24) with dual electric garage doors, a garden shed, front & rear porches, brand new kitchen appliances and a new hot water heater! A must see. Call Diane for a private showing at 280-6664.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Rural Home Buyer Program
New York REALTORS applaud restoration of rural homebuyer program
In late July, the single-family rural housing program that guarantees loans for qualified rural buyers was restored as part of the Supplemental Appropriations Act signed into law by President Barack Obama. In danger of shutting down due to a lack of funding, the program will continue to help rural families achieve the American dream of homeownership.
REALTORS who do business in New York's rural areas say the program is helpful to many families who struggle to come up with a down payment or to pay private mortgage insurance.
In late July, the single-family rural housing program that guarantees loans for qualified rural buyers was restored as part of the Supplemental Appropriations Act signed into law by President Barack Obama. In danger of shutting down due to a lack of funding, the program will continue to help rural families achieve the American dream of homeownership.
REALTORS who do business in New York's rural areas say the program is helpful to many families who struggle to come up with a down payment or to pay private mortgage insurance.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
News Flash from Inman News
Senate OKs new tax credit closing deadline
The Senate has amended a bill to give homebuyers who were under contract on a home purchase by April 30 an additional three months to close the deal and claim the federal homebuyer tax credit.
Extending the deadline for closing from June 30 to Sept. 30 would allow lenders more time to clear a backlog of 180,000 homebuyers nationwide, said amendment sponsor Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. Read full story here.http://www.inman.com/news/2010/06/16/senate-oks-new-tax-credit-closing-deadline
The Senate has amended a bill to give homebuyers who were under contract on a home purchase by April 30 an additional three months to close the deal and claim the federal homebuyer tax credit.
Extending the deadline for closing from June 30 to Sept. 30 would allow lenders more time to clear a backlog of 180,000 homebuyers nationwide, said amendment sponsor Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. Read full story here.http://www.inman.com/news/2010/06/16/senate-oks-new-tax-credit-closing-deadline
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Top 10 Tips and Advice on Everything Real Estate
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Mar 08, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Buying a home for the first time can be complex. To avoid mistakes and make a smart purchase, do the homework and know what to expect. To help start the process, HGTV's FrontDoor.com identifies the top 10 important points every first-time buyer must know.
http://www.frontdoor.com/Buy/Top-10-Tips-and-Advice-on-Everything-Real-Estate/868
http://www.frontdoor.com/Buy/Top-10-Tips-and-Advice-on-Everything-Real-Estate/868
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Go Green
-
10 Ways to Help Your Watershed
A clean and well-managed watershed doesn't just mean clean drinking water. Do your part to keep land and water clean and you could reap financial benefits too. Read
-
Plant Trees To Save Energy and Grow Value
Plant a tree to add value to your home and have a positive impact on the environment. Read
-
3 Small Steps to More Sustainable Living
Making little lifestyle changes will do a lot to enhance sustainability for the planet--and make every day Earth Day. Read
-
Green Cleaning Products for the Kitchen
Going green in the kitchen doesn't mean going broke as long as you choose the right green cleaning products for your countertops and appliances. Read
-
Start a Community Garden: Get the Community Involved
Sow a community garden to save money on produce, eat better, and build relationships with neighbors. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems
Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems
Article From HouseLogic.com
By: Suzanne Cosgrove
Published: September 21, 2009
Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system can save hundreds on your utility bills and earn you a tax credit worth as much as $1,500.
Replacing an aging heating and cooling system can save you money over time. According to Energy Star, a federal program that promotes energy efficiency, about half of what the average household spends on energy bills goes toward heating and cooling.
Upgrading your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) to energy-efficient units can cut utility costs by about 20%, or $200 annually, on average. A tax credit for heating and cooling systems can make the project more affordable.
This type of home improvement doesn't come cheap. Prices vary widely based on where you live, unit specifications, and the condition of your home, but figure a high-efficiency furnace will start at around $3,500, including installation, estimates Corbett Lunsford, executive director of Chicago-based Green Dream Group. A standard furnace may cost $2,400. To help offset the price difference, the IRS allows a tax credit worth up to $1,500 on eligible HVAC systems put into service during 2009 or 2010. Consult a tax adviser.
Pay attention to efficiency ratings
To earn an Energy Star rating, furnaces must be more efficient than standard units, with annual fuel utilization efficiency ratings, or AFUE, of 85% for oil furnaces and 90% for gas furnaces. The Energy Star seal of approval alone isn't enough to garner the federal tax credit. Credit-eligible (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index#c3) gas furnaces (either natural gas or propane) must have AFUE ratings of 95% or greater; oil furnaces, 90%. A boiler must have an AFUE of 90%.
Heating by burning a fuel is inherently inefficient. Simply put, high-efficiency furnaces have components that are better designed to get more heat out of the combustion process, Lunsford says. You'll need to hire an HVAC contractor to calculate the size of the equipment needed for your home. Beware bidders who take a one-size-furnace-fits-all approach. Air source heat pumps (http://energystar.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/energystar.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=5799) and advanced main circulating fans can also qualify for the $1,500 tax credit.
Technically, a homeowner could replace either a furnace or a central air-conditioning unit and be eligible for the tax credit. Practically speaking, you probably will have to replace both for the A/C to qualify, says Enesta Jones, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Most homes have split systems made up of an outdoor condenser and compressor that are connected to an indoor air handler that's part of the furnace. Split systems must have a SEER rating of at least 16 and an EER rating of at least 13. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the unit. A package A/C system, which houses all of its components outdoors, requires lower ratings.
HVAC's value goes beyond savings
It typically takes about a decade's worth of energy savings to recoup the investment in a new HVAC system, Lunsford says, though that time frame can vary greatly depending on how much fuel prices fluctuate. Less apparent in dollar terms are increasing the comfort level in your home and lowering your household's drain on non-renewable fossil fuels. Then there's the effect on your home's value when it comes time to sell.
You're going to enhance a home's salability by moving to a more energy-efficient heating and cooling system, says Frank Lesh, president of Home Sweet Home Inspection Co. in Indian Head Park, Ill. That doesn't mean adding a $5,000 furnace will add $5,000 to the sale price. Rather, potential buyers are less likely to push for repairs or negotiate a credit if the HVAC is in good shape. Evaluate systems older than 10 years for possible replacement.
But before you do, conduct a wider energy audit (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/conduct-your-own-energy-audit/) of your home. Lunsford, also manager of consumer education for the U.S. Green Building Council's Chicago Chapter, says he rarely recommends replacing a furnace as the first step in making a home more energy efficient. Instead, start by sealing it against air leaks. Do-it-yourself caulking and weather-stripping help, as does adding insulation in the attic. Professional air sealing, which is more effective, can cost as much as $5,000 for a large house, he says. The payoff: Energy costs should go down, and you might be able to get by with a smaller HVAC system.
Getting tax credit for your upgrades
The federal energy tax credit is based on 30% of the cost of an eligible HVAC system. Installation charges count too. A $5,000 bill would max out the credit. You'll need to owe more in taxes than you're trying to claim in credits to qualify. Use IRS Form 5695. Save receipts for your records, as well as manufacturers' certification statements. If part of a new HVAC system qualifies for the credit but another part doesn't, ask the contractor to itemize the receipt.
The tax credit is aggregated for all qualifying energy upgrades-insulation, roofs, windows, and so on-so you can't claim separate $1,500 credits for each project. Only improvements to your existing primary residence count. New homes and second homes are excluded.
This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but is not intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Readers should consult a tax professional for such advice, and are reminded that tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.
Suzanne Cosgrove, who spent nine years as an editor at the Chicago Tribune, has written for a number of business and real estate publications. She has a 90-year-old house and a long list of home-improvement projects.
Article From HouseLogic.com
By: Suzanne Cosgrove
Published: September 21, 2009
Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system can save hundreds on your utility bills and earn you a tax credit worth as much as $1,500.
Replacing an aging heating and cooling system can save you money over time. According to Energy Star, a federal program that promotes energy efficiency, about half of what the average household spends on energy bills goes toward heating and cooling.
Upgrading your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) to energy-efficient units can cut utility costs by about 20%, or $200 annually, on average. A tax credit for heating and cooling systems can make the project more affordable.
This type of home improvement doesn't come cheap. Prices vary widely based on where you live, unit specifications, and the condition of your home, but figure a high-efficiency furnace will start at around $3,500, including installation, estimates Corbett Lunsford, executive director of Chicago-based Green Dream Group. A standard furnace may cost $2,400. To help offset the price difference, the IRS allows a tax credit worth up to $1,500 on eligible HVAC systems put into service during 2009 or 2010. Consult a tax adviser.
Pay attention to efficiency ratings
To earn an Energy Star rating, furnaces must be more efficient than standard units, with annual fuel utilization efficiency ratings, or AFUE, of 85% for oil furnaces and 90% for gas furnaces. The Energy Star seal of approval alone isn't enough to garner the federal tax credit. Credit-eligible (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index#c3) gas furnaces (either natural gas or propane) must have AFUE ratings of 95% or greater; oil furnaces, 90%. A boiler must have an AFUE of 90%.
Heating by burning a fuel is inherently inefficient. Simply put, high-efficiency furnaces have components that are better designed to get more heat out of the combustion process, Lunsford says. You'll need to hire an HVAC contractor to calculate the size of the equipment needed for your home. Beware bidders who take a one-size-furnace-fits-all approach. Air source heat pumps (http://energystar.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/energystar.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=5799) and advanced main circulating fans can also qualify for the $1,500 tax credit.
Technically, a homeowner could replace either a furnace or a central air-conditioning unit and be eligible for the tax credit. Practically speaking, you probably will have to replace both for the A/C to qualify, says Enesta Jones, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Most homes have split systems made up of an outdoor condenser and compressor that are connected to an indoor air handler that's part of the furnace. Split systems must have a SEER rating of at least 16 and an EER rating of at least 13. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the unit. A package A/C system, which houses all of its components outdoors, requires lower ratings.
HVAC's value goes beyond savings
It typically takes about a decade's worth of energy savings to recoup the investment in a new HVAC system, Lunsford says, though that time frame can vary greatly depending on how much fuel prices fluctuate. Less apparent in dollar terms are increasing the comfort level in your home and lowering your household's drain on non-renewable fossil fuels. Then there's the effect on your home's value when it comes time to sell.
You're going to enhance a home's salability by moving to a more energy-efficient heating and cooling system, says Frank Lesh, president of Home Sweet Home Inspection Co. in Indian Head Park, Ill. That doesn't mean adding a $5,000 furnace will add $5,000 to the sale price. Rather, potential buyers are less likely to push for repairs or negotiate a credit if the HVAC is in good shape. Evaluate systems older than 10 years for possible replacement.
But before you do, conduct a wider energy audit (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/conduct-your-own-energy-audit/) of your home. Lunsford, also manager of consumer education for the U.S. Green Building Council's Chicago Chapter, says he rarely recommends replacing a furnace as the first step in making a home more energy efficient. Instead, start by sealing it against air leaks. Do-it-yourself caulking and weather-stripping help, as does adding insulation in the attic. Professional air sealing, which is more effective, can cost as much as $5,000 for a large house, he says. The payoff: Energy costs should go down, and you might be able to get by with a smaller HVAC system.
Getting tax credit for your upgrades
The federal energy tax credit is based on 30% of the cost of an eligible HVAC system. Installation charges count too. A $5,000 bill would max out the credit. You'll need to owe more in taxes than you're trying to claim in credits to qualify. Use IRS Form 5695. Save receipts for your records, as well as manufacturers' certification statements. If part of a new HVAC system qualifies for the credit but another part doesn't, ask the contractor to itemize the receipt.
The tax credit is aggregated for all qualifying energy upgrades-insulation, roofs, windows, and so on-so you can't claim separate $1,500 credits for each project. Only improvements to your existing primary residence count. New homes and second homes are excluded.
This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but is not intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Readers should consult a tax professional for such advice, and are reminded that tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.
Suzanne Cosgrove, who spent nine years as an editor at the Chicago Tribune, has written for a number of business and real estate publications. She has a 90-year-old house and a long list of home-improvement projects.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
GO GREEN
-
10 Ways to Help Your Watershed
A clean and well-managed watershed doesn't just mean clean drinking water. Do your part to keep land and water clean and you could reap financial benefits too. Read
-
Plant Trees To Save Energy and Grow Value
Plant a tree to add value to your home and have a positive impact on the environment. Read
-
3 Small Steps to More Sustainable Living
Making little lifestyle changes will do a lot to enhance sustainability for the planet--and make every day Earth Day. Read
-
Green Cleaning Products for the Kitchen
Going green in the kitchen doesn't mean going broke as long as you choose the right green cleaning products for your countertops and appliances. Read
-
Start a Community Garden: Get the Community Involved
Sow a community garden to save money on produce, eat better, and build relationships with neighbors. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
School Reports
You can use this site to find school reports ...
http://www.homefair.com/real-estate/school-reports/index.asp?cc=1
http://www.homefair.com/real-estate/school-reports/index.asp?cc=1
Monday, January 11, 2010
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